BA.2 subvariant of Omicron increasing in LA County
The BA.2 subvariant of COVID-19 is continuing to strengthen its presence in Los Angeles County, now accounting for nearly one-third of all virus cases that are screened for variants, the public health director said.
BA.2 subvariant of COVID-19 increasing in LA County
Experts have suggested that BA.2 is at least 30% more contagious than the Omicron variant, which was already substantially more easily spread than the original COVID-19 virus.
Is omicron leading us closer to herd immunity against COVID-19? Experts weigh in
Experts say it's not likely that the highly transmissible omicron variant — or any other variant — will lead us closer to herd immunity against COVID-19.
LA County out of COVID winter surge, indoor mask mandate could be lifted by mid-March
The winter surge, fueled by the omicron variant, is coming to an end in LA County.
Can you get long COVID after an infection with omicron? Here's what you need to know
Experts say it's too early to know whether people infected with the omicron variant will develop long COVID. Doctors believe it's possible to have long-term effects from omicron.
Chino Hills students protest mask mandate after seeing viral photo of Newsom, Garcetti not wearing one
The protest comes as families saw pictures of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti not wearing masks during the NFC Championship Game.
US COVID-19 death toll hits 900,000, sped by omicron
Propelled in part by the wildly contagious omicron variant, the U.S. death toll from COVID-19 hit 900,000 on Friday, less than two months after eclipsing 800,000.
COVID falling in 49 of 50 states as deaths near 900,000
With the brutal omicron wave rapidly loosening its grip, new cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. are falling in 49 of 50 states, even as the nation's death toll closes in on another bleak round number: 900,000.
Spain to drop masks outdoors as omicron surge decelerates
Spain will end a mandate to wear masks outdoors next week, reversing a late December order against an unprecedented surge of coronavirus infections fueled by a highly contagious mutation, Health Minister Carolina Darias said.
Orange County's COVID hospitalizations, infections continue to improve
Orange County's COVID-19 hospitalizations and case rates continued dropping, but reports of fatalities mounted, with January's death toll approaching the worst of the Delta variant-fueled summer surge, according to data released Wednesday.
Omicron variant raises concerns about long-term COVID-19
Omicron's race across the globe has amped up concerns about long COVID, which some estimates suggest affects a third of COVID-19 survivors.
UCLA returns to classrooms, some students demand hybrid option
UCLA and UC Irvine return to the classrooms Monday after weeks of remote learning. But some UCLA students are demanding more virtual options.
Omicron drives US deaths higher than in fall’s delta wave
Omicron, the highly contagious coronavirus variant sweeping across the country, is driving the daily American death toll higher than during last fall’s delta wave, with deaths likely to keep rising for days or even weeks.
New COVID variant BA.2: What's known about 'stealth' omicron?
The new coronavirus variant, which scientists call BA.2, is widely considered stealthier than the original version of omicron because particular genetic traits make it somewhat harder to detect.
Things families have to deal with after losing loved ones to COVID
What happens to the surviving family members after losing a loved one to COVID? We don’t often hear the turmoil that moms, dads, brothers, sisters, spouses and others face.
11 cases of new omicron sub-variant BA.2 detected in California, at least 2 in Santa Clara Co.
The California Department of Public Health confirmed that there are 11 cases of the new omicron subvariant in the state.
FDA restricts use of certain monoclonal antibody treatments that don't work against omicron
U.S. health officials say COVID-19 antibody drugs from Regeneron and Eli Lilly should no longer be used because they don't work against the omicron variant.
Pfizer omicron vaccine: Company begins studying updated shot to match variant
Pfizer has begun a study comparing its original COVID-19 vaccine with doses specially tweaked to match the omicron variant.
LA Unified mask policy: Students to wear non-cloth face masks
Starting Monday, students must wear “well-fitted, non-cloth masks with a nose wire” at all times, including outdoors, the district announced.
Fauci: Omicron COVID-19 infections likely to peak in February
Dr. Anthony Fauci said he was "as confident as you can be" that states will hit their highest point of infections in February